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Maryland Football: The Ralph Friedgen era was talent rich

By Chris Bengel

Dec 26, 2016; Detroit, MI, USA; Maryland Terrapins mascot Testudo prior to the game against the Boston College Eagles at Ford Field. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 26, 2016; Detroit, MI, USA; Maryland Terrapins mascot Testudo prior to the game against the Boston College Eagles at Ford Field. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports /
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Ralph Friedgen is one of the winningest coaches in Maryland’s history.

With that being said, it’s only natural that his 10-year tenure produced a ton of NFL draft picks.

The Terrapins had 27 players that were selected in the NFL Draft while Friedgen called College Park home. Two of those plays were first round picks in tight end Vernon Davis (No. 6, San Francisco 49ers) and wide receiver Darrius Heyward-Bey (No. 7, Oakland Raiders).

Friedgen also produced six second round selections. Linebacker E.J. Henderson (Minnesota Vikings), linebacker D’Qwell Jackson (Cleveland Browns), defensive tackle Kris Jenkins (Carolina Panthers), running back LaMont Jordan (Oakland Raiders), safety Madieu Williams (Cincinnati Bengals), and cornerback Josh Wilson (Seattle Seahawks) were all picked in the second round from 2001 to 2007.

Maryland was extremely successful during the Friedgen era, especially in the early going. The Terps went 31-8 over the first three seasons and also reached three consecutive bowl games.

Friedgen led Maryland to a 30-3 win over Tennessee in the 2002 Peach Bowl and a 41-7 win over West Virginia in the 2004 Gator Bowl. Maryland dropped the Orange Bowl during the 2001 season in a 56-23 loss to Florida.

From 2001 to 2010, those selected players went to a combined 13 Pro Bowls. Jenkins had the most with four different appearances.

Friedgen capped off his time in College Park with a 9-4 season in 2010. The Terps defeated East Carolina 51-20 in the Military Bowl.

Overall, Friedgen produced a ton of NFL talent and some ended up having tremendous professional careers. The likes of Davis and Jackson are still hanging around and producing.

Defense dominates the bulk of the list of drafted players. The only real bust, considering the spot in which they were drafted, was Heyward-Bey going to the Raiders in 2009.

Next: Justin Jackson needs more seasoning

Considering what Randy Edsall ended up putting together, Friedgen had a very successful tenure in terms of producing professional football players.

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